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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), a public health issue
We spend over 80% of our time in enclosed spaces, where the concentration of pollutants can be much higher than in outdoor air, due to the lower dilution volume and the emission of various pollutants. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful substances that can have a direct impact on the health of occupants, especially vulnerable ones such as children. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, and even affect occupants' concentration, learning and general well-being.
Faced with these health challenges, regulations have been tightened with the publication in May 2021 of the National Health-Environment Plan 4, which now imposes stricter measures to ensure rigorous monitoring and reduce occupants' exposure to indoor air pollutants.
What do the regulations say?
- establishments for the collective care of children under 6, i.e. crèches, day nurseries and kindergartens ;health
- Extracurricular or extracurricular leisure activities for minors ;
- primary and secondary educational and vocational training establishments, i.e. nursery schools, elementary schools and general, technical or vocational secondary schools.
Since the January 1, 2025In addition, the obligation has been extended to new ERP, notably social and medico-social facilities, long-term care facilities attached to healthcare establishments, and prisons housing minors. However, the practical application of these measures still depends on the publication of specific decrees, which will specify the exact monitoring and control procedures.
The indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring system is based on systematic monitoring, targeted measurement campaigns for certain pollutants, and the development of an action plan. It is divided into four phases, detailed below.
Annual assessment of ventilation systems
Firstly, in order to ensure continuous monitoring of air renewal in buildings, the assessment of ventilation systems in buildings, which until now had to be carried out every 7 years, has been annualized.
This evaluation includes several aspects:
- Examination of openings such as windows and doors leading to the exterior;
- Inspection of ventilation grilles and terminals on mechanical ventilation systems;
- Checking the accessibility and manoeuvrability of openings;
- Examination of the condition and operation of ventilation equipment.
When the facility has more than 6 rooms subject to regulation, the assessment is to be carried out on a representative sample of partsThis means at least 50% of the building's rooms (with a minimum of 5). These rooms should best represent the different zones of the building. The rooms concerned by the evaluation of ventilation facilities are as follows:
- Teaching rooms ;
- Activity rooms ;
- Dining rooms ;
- Dormitories;
- Sports buildings attached to educational establishments.
Sinteo, accompanied by an accredited partner laboratory, can carry out this complete assessment and deliver a report detailing the conclusions to be taken into account in the subsequent phases.
Self-diagnosis of building air quality
In addition to the annual assessment, an indoor air quality diagnosis, previously optional, must now be carried out at least every four years. The purpose of this in-depth diagnosis of the entire facility is to identify potential sources of pollution, ensure that ventilation systems are properly maintained, coordinate the various players involved and continuously improve indoor air quality. It includes :
- Identifying and reducing pollutant emissions;
- Maintenance of ventilation equipment;
- Assessing occupants' exposure to pollutants ;
- An analysis of site activities, materials and equipment.
This self-diagnosis is carried out in-house by the local authority's technical department, and is based on four diagnostic grids (to be found in the CEREMA guide) covering premises management, maintenance, upkeep and specific activities carried out in the facility. Its preparation requires the involvement of all personnel concerned, including the manager, technical services, maintenance staff as well as activity and user managers, to ensure a complete and relevant assessment.
Measurement campaigns at key stages in the life of the building
A measurement campaign for regulated pollutants must be carried out by an accredited organization at each key stage in the life of the building that could have an impact on IAQ. Three pollutants are concerned by these regulations:
- Formaldehyde, an indicator of indoor pollution in buildings ;
- Benzene, an indicator of outdoor pollution;
- Carbon dioxide, which indicates the quality of air renewal.
The threshold values to be considered are as follows:
| Substance | Value for which further investigations are being carried out | Value for which the prefect of the département where the plant is located is informed |
|---|---|---|
|
Formaldehyde Benzene Carbon Dioxide |
Concentration > 30 µg/m3 Concentration > 10 µg/m3 Containment index = 5 |
Concentration > 100 µg/m3 Concentration > 10 µg/m3 Containment index = 5 |
If necessary, further investigations must be carried out within two months of the initial results. This should enable the precise causes and sources of pollution to be identified, while proposing appropriate corrective measures to effectively remedy the situation.
These measurement campaigns are carried out by a Cofrac-accredited organization. CO2 concentrations are measured continuously during the building's heating period. For formaldehyde and benzene, two series of samples are taken: one during the heating period and the other outside, with an interval of 4 to 7 months between the two.
An event is considered a milestone in the life of a building when it is likely to have an impact, positive or negative, on indoor air quality, whether by influencing pollutant emissions or air renewal. This can include renovation work, a fire, a modification to the ventilation system or a reorganization of spaces.
However, measurement of the three regulated pollutants (benzene, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide) is not systematically required at every key stage. A partial measurement campaign, focusing on one or two of these pollutants, may suffice, depending on a number of criteria:
- The scope of the key stage: distinction between major works, smaller-scale works or simple actions on the premises;
- The type of modification or work carried out: for example, a change in interior materials or work on ventilation systems;
- The size of the plant, which can influence the extent of the controls required.
Thresholds for triggering measurements, regulatory requirements and the number of parts to be analyzed are detailed in the CEREMA guide: GOUVERNEMENT
Source: CEREMA Guide
In addition to mandatory measurements, it is recommended that measurement campaigns be carried out for other pollutants likely to affect occupants' health, such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particles and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Action, monitoring and communication plan
The action plan is the core element of the indoor air quality monitoring system. Drawn up on the basis of the facility's existing practices and uses, it aims for continuous improvement of IAQ through short- and long-term measures. These actions may include choosing less polluting products, optimizing ventilation or better management of technical equipment.
This document plays a strategic role, combining diagnosis, planning and monitoring. It must be updated regularly, incorporating the results of annual ventilation assessments (including CO₂ measurements), self-diagnostics and measurement campaigns carried out at key stages. By identifying any shortcomings, it enables appropriate corrections to be proposed with clear, measurable objectives and defined deadlines.
To ensure its effectiveness, the plan must include :
- Title and description of each action ;
- Persons in charge and associated stakeholders ;
- A precise implementation schedule.
Presented in the form of a summary table for easier reading, it must be displayed at the entrance to the facility and regularly updated, particularly during regulatory stages. It must be completed by the end of 2026, in accordance with decree no. 2022-1689.
Radon: mandatory monitoring for ERP buildings
The level of radon exposure depends essentially on soil composition and specific geological factors. In France, the territory is divided into three radon potential zones:
- Zone 1: low potential ;
- Zone 2: low potential, but with geological factors that can promote radon transfer to buildings;
- Zone 3: significant potential.
Communal mapping was published in 2018 to enable rapid identification of at-risk areas. The website georisques.gouv allows you to find out about all the risks present in a given area, including radon, depending on its location or commune.
- Schools and boarding schools ;
- Group childcare facilities for children under 6 ;
- Certain health, social and medico-social establishments with accommodation;
- Thermal baths ;
- Prisons.
Measurement of radon activity by volume is compulsory in all ERP located in zone 3. In zones 1 and 2, this obligation only applies if existing measurements have revealed concentrations of above 300 Bq/m³.. The ERP concerned must :
- Carry out radon measurements every 10 years, or after any work substantially modifying the building (insulation, ventilation, woodwork, airtightness, etc.). These measurements must be carried out by an organization approved by the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in accordance with standard NF ISO 11665-8.
- Implement corrective actions if the regulatory threshold of 300 Bq/m³ is exceeded, in order to reduce occupant exposure.
Radon monitoring is therefore an essential preventive measure to limit the health risks associated with this radioactive gas.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality is an essential public health issue, requiring rigorous monitoring in establishments open to the public. Regulations require regular assessments, self-diagnosis and measurement campaigns to limit exposure to pollutants. The action plan, a central element of the system, enables any shortcomings to be identified and corrected, leading to continuous improvement in IAQ. Radon monitoring in certain zones reinforces this preventive approach. By guaranteeing healthy air, these measures contribute to the protection and well-being of occupants, especially the most vulnerable.
Sinteo can help you carry out these measurement campaigns to meet health and regulatory challenges. Rely on our expertise to guarantee healthy air in your buildings!
FAQ
Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ, refers to the condition of the air we breathe inside buildings. It is measured in terms of the concentration of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds and fine particles, as well as humidity levels, temperature and odors. Poor air quality can have adverse effects on health, causing respiratory disorders and allergies, and impairing the comfort and concentration of occupants, particularly children, the elderly and frail people.
An Indoor Air Quality Diagnostic assesses the presence of pollutants in a building. It identifies possible sources of pollution, whether materials, ventilation or human activities, and proposes concrete recommendations for improving air quality. This type of diagnosis is essential to guarantee a healthy indoor environment, prevent health risks for occupants and meet current regulatory requirements, particularly in places open to the public.